17 Reasons You'll Love Freshman Year

If you're still a little nervous about heading off to college, check out these 17 reasons you'll LOVE your freshman year!

Move-in day and orientation are just around the corner! To ease any remaining anxiety, and get you psyched, Her Campus put together 17 reasons you will love your freshman year!

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Making New Friends

Friendships can spring up anywhere — in class, dining halls, at the gym, and, of course, out on the weekends. In college, you'll build lasting friendships and a professional network you will be able to rely on your whole life.

Chris Schmidt

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Independence

You're on your own, and it feels great. There's no curfew, and not nearly as many rules. Just make sure to be responsible about balancing work and fun!

Beth Studenberg

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New Wardrobe

College is the perfect time to make over your look, and what's more fun than showing off new clothes on the first day of classes?

You'll have a chance to get to know the campus before the upperclassmen get there. This is important so you can feel calm and confident on your first day of class. Plus, you won't be broadcasting your freshman status by carrying around a campus map!

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Decorating

Your dorm room lets you show off your personal style... and it's way bigger than a locker. Check out some of these awesome dorm decorating ideas for inspiration!

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Sporting Events

Fall means football and tailgating! Fire up the grill and fill the stands with friends. You'll be automatically bonded to other students by school spirit and the traditions that are unique to your college. Learn new cheers and wear your colors proudly!

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Free T-shirts

T-shirt giveaways are a popular way to promote clubs and events. Leave some extra space in your closet, because you'll have more t-shirts than you know what to do with!

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Choosing Your Classes

You'll get to pick classes you're actually interested in! Even general requirements, like science, can be filled with a fun and interesting class like physics of music or renewable energy. Plus, you design your own schedule. Classes start later in the day, and you'll often end up with a long break between them. Take advantage of all your extra free time!

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Taking Naps

After pulling some inevitable all-nighters, that free time between classes becomes an excellent opportunity to catch up on some sleep!

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Trying New Activities

There's something for everybody at college. From clubs to sports to sororities, you're sure to find a place to fit in and a great group of friends to share the good times with. College is a great time to try out new things, and find something you're passionate about. Start by taking this quiz to find out what new activity you might enjoy!

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The Gym

You'll have access to awesome equipment to help fight the freshman fifteen – plus it's a great place to scope out the hotties! Many colleges offer group fitness classes or outdoor adventure trips, like white water rafting or rock climbing.

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Clean Slate

No one in college will remember how you looked with braces and pigtails in that awkward junior high phase! Plus, any leftover senior-year-drama will hopefully be left behind for good.

Nick Onken

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Parent's Weekend

Your folks will miss you a lot by the time they make their first visit to campus. They'll spoil you by taking you and your friends out to dinner and helping out as much as they can. It's the perfect opportunity to take a break from your crazy college life to go shopping and stock up on anything you need.

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Exploring a New City

Even if you aren't very far from home, your new college status gives you a unique point of view. There's a brand new social scene to be discovered — see the sights, catch a movie, and check out the nightlife!